Big Joe issues note of caution

BACK AT THE HELM: Joe Royle takes charge of Athletic for the first time tomorrow since his return to the club.

THE feel-good factor is back at Boundary Park — but new manager Joe Royle has attempted to play down expectations.

He has warned of the dangers of everyone becoming caught up in the frenzy of publicity following his much-feted return.

As Royle prepares for his homecoming in tomorrow’s Coca-Cola League One against play-off rivals Tranmere Rovers, he is only too aware of the weight of anticipation.

“There is a great danger of anti-climax,” explained Royle, who became a Latics legend after his exploits as manager in the 1980s and 1990s.

“My return brings its own pressure, that of instant success which cannot be guaranteed.”

Royle, who has agreed to take charge for the final nine games of the season after John Sheridan was sacked, is delighted with the response of the players.

He said: “We had a practice match so I could see more of the ones I don’t know much about.

“The whole thing is a crash course, both about my team and also about the opposition, and I need to devour as much information as I can as quickly as I can.

“What I saw was very lively and impressive and if they carry it forward into tomorrow’s game we will have a great chance.

“The side has been up near the top all season and have set standards which they need to maintain. If we can find a little improvement then on we go with a big prize to aim for.”

Royle admitted players’ heads were down after the 6-2 defeat at Milton Keynes Dons and he says is his job to raise spirits.

He went on: “I am sure the players feel for John Sheridan and there is always a feeling of guilt when a manager gets the sack.”

But Royle won’t be dwelling on the past and is looking for a fresh start as Athletic bid for a place in the play-offs.

Royle says he has been “amazed” by the welcome he has received on his return to the club.

But he has soon got back into the swing of things after almost three years away from management.

He watched Cheltenham v Tranmere on Tuesday night and also fulfilled two of three after-dinner speaking engagements he had booked before accepting the post at Boundary Park.

Royle said there was a certain irony that the first game of his come back spell is against Tranmere, who were his final opponents back in November 1994 before he left for Everton.

He said: “That was a goalless draw and let’s hope tomorrow is more positive result.”

Former Everton chairman Peter Johnson, who is Tranmere’s main backer, is a firm friend of Royle’s and only recently they had lunch together.

Royle believes Tranmere will be “hurt” after their shock defeat at bottom-of-the-table Cheltenham.

He said: “From what I can detect they had a bad night, and that is without wanting to take anything away from Cheltenham, who were terrific.

“They scored an early goal and got about Tranmere and never let go. Every time the ball bounced free, they were there.

“The puzzle for me is why Cheltenham are in that position. They were very good and had chances to have won by a bigger margin.”

Tranmere’s promotion push has been built on the back of an impressive home record. They have recorded 13 league victories at Prenton Park, which is the joint highest in the division.

But the Wirral club, which is still managed by former Athletic chief Ronnie Moore, have struggled on the road, winning only four times at Huddersfield, Carlisle, Leyton Orient and Colchester.

And they have picked up only one point from their last four away games — at Northampton.

Royle has identified Tranmere defender turned midfielder Antony Kay, their 11-goal top scorer, as a danger along with the front two of Ian Moore, the manager’s son, and Bas Savage.

League One fixtures

TOMORROW: Bristol Rovers v Peterborough, Crewe v Leeds, Hartlepool v Millwall, Huddersfield v Cheltenham, Leicester v Colchester, Leyton Orient v Walsall, Northampton v Stockport, Athletic v Tranmere, Scunthorpe v Brighton, Southend v Carlisle, Swindon v Hereford, Yeovil v MK Dons.